Field Hockey

Field Hockey Picked to Top Little East

Aug. 26, 2010

NORTH DARTMOUTH, MA-The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth's field hockey team has been picked to finish first in the annual Little East Conference Pre-Season Coaches' Poll.

The Corsairs, who are the defending champions, received five first-place votes and 140 points, putting them 12 points ahead of second-place Keene State and 25 points ahead of Framingham State, which was picked to finish third. The Owls got two first-place votes, and the Rams received the other one. Plymouth State, Southern Maine, Bridgewater State, Fitchburg State and Westfield State were picked to fill out the rest of the playoff field. Salem State, Western Connecticut State, Worcester State and Eastern Connecticut State were chosen to fill out the rest of the positions.

"We've worked really hard to get here, and it's an honor to be recognized by the other coaches in the conference," said UMass Dartmouth Head Coach Nicole Castonguay. "The first four years, we made a commitment to take the program to a different level. Between our coaching staff and our returning players and their drive and dedication, we've worked really hard. First place is definitely a hard place to be. The bull's eye is on you. We plan to take it one game at a time, try to improve every day, and, hopefully, the results will come."

The Corsairs were 15-7 last season, winning the Little East Conference post-season tournament and advancing to the NCAA Division III Championships for the first time in the history of the program. They will begin their season at MIT Saturday, September 4th.

UMASS DARTMOUTH FIELD HOCKEY

2010 Little East Field Hockey Preseason Coaches' Poll
Rank Institution First Place Votes Total Points
1. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth 9 140
2. Keene State College 2 128
3. Framingham State University 1 115
4. Plymouth State University 90
5. University of Southern Maine 86
6. Bridgewater State University 77
7. Fitchburg State University 76
8. Westfield State University 63
9. Salem State University 60
10. Western Connecticut State University 46
11. Worcester State University 32
12. Eastern Connecticut State University 18